News Broadcasting
Richard Sambrook to become BBC’s Global News division director
MUMBAI: The BBC has announced executive changes in the leadership of its UK and international news operations. Richard Sambrook will become the director of the BBC’s World Service and Global News division. He will be responsible for developing the BBC’s overall global news strategy across radio, TV and new media.
He will be succeeded as the director of BBC News by Helen Boaden who is currently the controller of Radio 4 and BBC 7. Boaden will be responsible for all UK-wide news and current affairs across radio, television and new media and for all BBC News staff, including news gathering.
They take up their new appointments in September. They will both be members of the BBC’s new Journalism Board, reporting to BBC Deputy DG Mark Byford. BBC’s DG Mark Thompson said, “Richard and Helen are the right people to lead these two vital parts of the BBC’s journalism in the future as we continue to strengthen and develop our output both in the UK and around the world.”
Sambrook said, “I have devoted my professional life to BBC journalism so I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the BBC’s international news services at such a crucial time for audiences around the world. To take the great strengths and heritage of the World Service and build on them across radio, TV and new media will be an enormous challenge and a great privilege.”
The BBC has also confirmed the appointment of Nigel Chapman as the director of the World Service. He will report to Sambrook on all World Service activities.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
